Travel With Me Tuesday: Farewell to Vienna

Somehow I didn't get as much done or seen as I'd have liked in Vienna but I think that was due to these days being at the end of two weeks rather than at the beginning. I find that about 10 days is enough for me for a vacation and then I tend to want it over. I miss my home and bed and less scheduled days. I believe he feels otherwise. It's a marriage compromise.

Travel With Me Tuesday: Vienna

Travel With Me Tuesday: Arrival in Vienna

It was quite a treat to be back in Vienna, a truly cosmopolitan city. The smaller towns were lovely in their own right but give me a major city any day.

Wordless Wednesday: And It Was Closed...

Travel With Me Tuesday: Auf Wiedershen Vienna

A good day in Vienna was drawing to a close. He had his tour of the Opera House, something I was not interested in. I had seen a performance there on a previous trip and that was enough for me. But I was glad he had a chance to do this as he's the opera buff.

The images tempting him outside of the Stage Door office where you buy your tickets. There is also a little bookstore there and it was where I dropped him off and was scheduled to meet him after his tour.

You buy your ticket and then you give it to your ticket taker. That employs another person!

There is nothing quite like these massive doors to be seen in many parts of Europe. I always find them fascinating and love the feel as you pull them open, that is if you can!

Inside images that are not terribly clear but give you a good feel for the opera house.

Outside, I enjoyed seeing the people out and about. There is definitely a cosmopolitan feel to the city, much like New York or Milan. Women dress very well.

 He had no interest in the performance that night...fortunately.

Once again, it was tempting but knowing how much food was ahead of us on the boat, I passed on even a coffee in the Cafe.

Nor did I stop in here, but it did look tempting for yet another schnitzel. 

Back to the Albertina area to wait for our 16.10 bus, the last bus back to the boat. This stop was becoming rather familiar to us.

Our last evening in Vienna included a concert at the Kursalon. Departure was at 17:15.! So it was a quick freshen up as soon as we were on board.

Lovely site and beautiful music but as always, concerts and recitals involve more formal seating that most of us are used to. Fortunately, I'd been on my feet for a lot of the day and sitting seemed good no matter what the chair.

Beef the way I liked it was one of the dinner choices and by now the chef knew I mean rare when I said rare! As on many cruises, the kitchen staff does the March of the Baked Alaskas as their grand finale.

Our table mates that evening included guests from Delaware, so we were practically neighbors.

So it was goodbye Vienna and the next day we would arrive in Budapest. Auf Wiedershen!

Travel With Me Tuesday: Vienna, A Full Day's Worth Part 2

After our lunch back on the ship, we did not nap! Oh no, it was back into the city for 2+ hours of free time. I'm a good wanderer though Dick likes a set schedule so we managed both. I meandered about while he had his tour of the Opera House. Fortunately, it was right near the Albertina, our drop off point and he bought his ticket and I was then on my own.

I saw many things but didn't buy anything. Even back in 2012, I knew I didn't need more. But looking is always fun!

Oh Sigh...I'm missing my love, Eric Clapton! I would have never thought to look for a concert.

Pretty and Pricey but then again, this IS Vienna.

If this is the color of the season, I'll pass. I'm sure winter wear is a big deal with the Austrian climate.

I have a grandson named Jake so this department caught my eye! Not quite his style but eye-catching.

I've always loved the winter displays I see in Europe. Then I come home and forget to make or buy any such things.

When I met him it was time for a snack. But of course. Sadly not one of the lovely cafes but rather a simple and quick snack. Well simple for me but a bit more filling for him. But of course.

I need to make sure I am included in our photos while he contemplates our next move. More for you next week!

Travel With Me Tuesday: Vienna, A Full Day's Worth Part 1

November 15th, 2012 started with a lecture on Musical Vienna after breakfast. Then some of our group went off to Schonbrunn Palace. We had been their on our 2008 trip so we went back into the city with another group for a guided visit of the Art Historical Museum. It was a brisk, sunny day and the museum was typically gorgeous and typically Baroque.  Outside they were setting up the stands for the Christmas market which we would miss.

Despite good walking shoes my knee was telling me to slow down. While Dick continued on the full tour, and full it was, I repaired to the Cafe for a lovely cup of coffee. Elegance indeed! Any other time I might have had a pastry also but considering the amount of food we had on the ship, I knew I didn't need to gild the lily.  

Isn't that balanced teaspoon on the water chaser just perfect?  Yes, coffee does coat the tongue and teeth more than tea does. Vienna is nothing if not elegant.

I had enjoyed seeing my favorite Vermeers before my coffee break and when Dick met me, our group went back to the boat for lunch. It was always hard to do justice to the wonderful lunches because the afternoon was free time back in the city.  Rather than an afternoon nap, we preferred to go to bed early.

We considered this for a grandson but knew there was no room in our suitcases for a gift this size. Sometimes the thought cannot lead to action despite good intentions.

So back to the boat we went for our mid day meal. It was a good and enjoyable morning.